How to Age Well: A Guide for Healthy Aging

Aging is a natural part of life – but it can be very difficult for some. Whether you’re someone who is going through the aging process, or you have an elderly relative who is beginning to struggle, then this guide is for you.

Inside, it details some tips and tricks on how to age gracefully, from considering using hospice care to taking supplements to boost your health. Ready? Let’s begin the guide.

Get Hospice Care

Although the idea of hospice care is a little daunting for some, it’s a great idea. In fact, most people who receive hospice care wish they’d done it sooner.

In case you don’t know, hospice is a special type of medical care for people who have a serious illness or are reaching the end of their lives. At a hospice, patients are attended to by professionals so that their physical and emotional suffering can be lightened and made better.

When is it the right time to get hospice care?

If you’re an elderly person with a serious, life-limiting illness – or you have a relative who is suffering – then hospice care is definitely something to consider. It makes life easier for patients, but it also makes life easier for their families too.

At the end of the day, quality of life is what matters! So, if this is something you would be interested in, click here to learn more.

Focus on Physical Activity

It can be tempting to let your physical activity levels drop off when aging. However, if you want to stay in good shape and reduce your risk of diseases, you need to stay physically active.

Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean going for runs every day – nobody wants to do that. Instead, it means stretching in the morning and evening, going for walks, and even throwing some yoga into the mix.

Plus, if you want to make doing activity more social, you can join fitness classes (some of which can be done online). This way, you’ll be able to interact with other people in your age group and not feel like you’re facing a fitness journey alone. Remember, physical activity can be fun. From doing it with friends to listening to music, you don’t have to be bored out of your mind.

Take Your Vitamins

There’s still some doubt surrounding the benefit of taking vitamins in the modern age.

However, there are many benefits that come with taking vitamins, including:

· Healthy aging
· Stronger bones
· Better nutrition levels

During the winter, vitamin D should be your number one priority when it comes to vitamins. Vitamin D is a key part of healthy aging and helps to compensate for the lack of sunlight during the winter. Ideally, you should take 600 IU per day of vitamin D.

You’ll be able to pick up a pack of vitamin D from your local pharmacy or health stores. Also, it’s worth speaking to your doctor and getting tested to see if your body has any vitamin deficiencies. If you do, you’ll be able to receive guidance from your doctor.

Pay Attention to Your Teeth

When aging, it’s also important to pay attention to your teeth.

Here’s why:

· You’ll save money. If you don’t care for your teeth, you’ll face the likelihood of having to foot some expensive procedure bills.
· Better appearance. People notice other people’s teeth – it’s a fact!
· Minimize the risk of diabetes and other health problems. Bad teeth can lead to many issues, such as gum disease, which is why you need to be so careful.

You should brush them twice a day for healthy teeth, use mouthwash, and regularly see your dentist for check-ups. Also, don’t forget to floss (as tiresome as it can be, flossing is really beneficial for your gums and teeth!) and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

Avoid Risky Cosmetic Procedures

Risky cosmetic procedures – such as plastic surgery – should be avoided during aging. Instead, it’s better to age gracefully and naturally. This way, you won’t experience any potential regrets from cosmetic procedures you didn’t need in the first place!

Go for Walks

Going for walks is super easy yet is so effective for individuals looking to age well.

By going for consistent walks, you’ll:

· Reduce the risk of heart diseases and strokes
· Strengthen your bones
· Improve your balance
· Boost your fitness

Plus, you don’t even have to go that far. Even just a brisk walk around your neighborhood is better than nothing, so make sure to bear this in mind.

Remember, staying inactive for too long is dangerous, particularly for older people. Your physical and mental health will be negatively affected, so don’t allow this to happen.

Eat and Drink Healthy

Next, remember to eat and drink healthily.

Firstly, make sure to drink lots of water. At the same time, try to cut down on sugary and high-caffeine drinks, as they aren’t good for your short or long-term health.

In regards to eating, you should eat lots of fruit and vegetables. Also, reduce your saturated fats and sugars and eat less salt (as an adult, it’s recommended that you don’t eat more than 6g of salt per day).

Keep Your Mind Active and Occupied

The past couple of years has been really tough for everyone. However, for the older people in society, it’s arguably the most difficult – especially for those living alone or struggling with the negative sides of aging.

Therefore, it’s essential that you keep your mind active and occupied. Fortunately, there are lots of interesting and creative ways that you can do this.

Here are some suggestions to try:

· Complete puzzles
· Learn a new language
· Exercise at home
· Complete DIY tasks
· Listen to music or and watch movies

Conclusion

Aging effects everyone in different ways. Some people are absolutely fine, while others struggle and develop serious problems and illnesses. Whatever your personal situation is, using some of the tips above that are relevant to you will give you a major boost while helping you to age in a healthier way.

Thanks to Irina